Upstream

Roberta Salomone

Chapter 179 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 673-677 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Within the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method the term upstream refers to the processes related to raw material acquisition and pre-processing, including the production of parts and components. Upstream, core, and downstream are, indeed, terms commonly used by LCA practitioners to identify the location of processes in the life cycle of a material, product, or service under study. In a LCA study, the choice of inclusion or exclusion of upstream and downstream processes emerges during the system boundary definition. Ideally, in a LCA study, the whole supply chain should be analysed. But resources and data availability can pose a challenge and exclusion of upstream and downstream processes from the system boundary must be carefully done based on the goal and scope of the study, because this influences the results and interpretation of the LCA.

Keywords: Life cycle; System boundary; Raw material acquisition; Pre-processing; Processes; Indirect activities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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